GEORGE TOWN – A ship carrying 150,000 litres of diesel caught fire at the Harbor Trade Centre in Gat Lebuh Macallum here this afternoon.
Two of four crew members suffered severe burns in the incident while the two others escaped unharmed.
The Penang Fire and Rescue Department's operations centre said it received an emergency call at 4.02pm.
“When the fire brigade arrived at the scene, it was found that the fire involved a ship laden with diesel fuel.
“Four fire brigades from the Lebuh Pantai Fire and Rescue Station, Jalan Perak, Bagan Jermal, and Bayan Baru were rushed to the location to help put out the fire,” he said.
The four victims were identified as Koi Chu Huat, 55, Soo Zee Kiat, 53, E. Archunan, 59, and a man known only as Azizul, 30.
The operations centre said Azizul suffered third-degree burns while Archunan suffered first-degree burns.
“Both were rescued by Fire and Rescue Department personnel and sent to Penang Hospital for treatment.”
It added that the operation was carried out using an offensive extinguishing method employing foam to inhibit the burning of diesel oil in the vessel's tank.
“The fire was completely controlled at 5.40pm and overhauling work was carried out after that to ensure there were no sparks at the scene.
“The operation ended completely at 6.33pm and the next task was handed over to the investigating officer for further action.” – The Vibes, May 3, 2021
